SBA Seeks Executives for Emerging Leaders Training

By Sonia Isotov

For the first time, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened recruitment for its e200 Emerging Leaders Initiative in Hawaii.

Jane Sawyer, SBA Hawaii District Director. Photo courtesy of SBA Hawaii.

“Over the last few years, the e200 Initiative has been a catalyst for expanding opportunities for many promising small businesses in underserved communities,” SBA District Director Jane Sawyer said in a written statement yesterday. “The results gathered from follow up surveys of past e200 classes showed dramatic gains for graduates. They’ve created jobs, gotten big contracts and formed joint ventures, taken on entrepreneurial expansion. It’s free for the small business owner who is committed to accelerating his business success.”

The Native Hawaiian community is the underserved market targeted in Hawaii by the initiative. The initiative will be cosponsored by several Native Hawaiian organizations.

Eligible businesses will be at least three years old, have annual revenues of $300,000, and at least one employee. One executive decision-maker per business can qualify.

This initiative  encompasses a nine-month training cycle and includes 100 classroom hours, mentoring by experienced executives, as well as workshops and opportunities to connect with city leaders and financial communities.

For more information on the program and how to apply, contact the Hawaii District Office at (808) 541-2990.  The deadline for applications is April 6, 2011.  Classes begin in late April 2011.